Biodiversity Restored: Ham Hill Country Park

Project Location: Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset

Start Date: January 2015

Est. completion Date: February 2015

The history of Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset can be traced back to the early 1600’s when records show that there was mixed woodland on the site. During the Second World many of the trees were felled and since then the woodland that has re-grown has become dominated by sycamore.

The Friends of Ham Hill have come together to restore the woodland’s biodiversity and landscape character and through the help of the ITF and Worktop Express grant they will plant 1000 native tree species in an 12 acre area known as Pit Wood.

7 species will be grown including field maple, hawthorn, rowan, common beech and hazel.

As the park is a popular local amenity the local community will be asked to play a part in tree planting and seed gathering including a family ‘bring a spade day’ which will promote community engagement and a greater understanding of the importance of woodland habitats.

Mick Wooden, the Project Funding Officer for the Friends said “We are seeking to increase and restore floral biodiversity and restore the wood’s landscape character …This community involvement will hopefully lead to a greater feeling of ownership from the local community ensuring that there will be guardians of the wood for generations to come.”